Confirmed coronavirus cases in Doncaster rise by 40 per cent in a day to 21

The town still has the fewest confirmed cases in South Yorkshire, despite the 40 per cent daily rise, behind Sheffield’s 240, Rotherham’s 30 and Barnsley’s 27.

Across the UK, 11,658 people have now tested positive for COVID-19, according to the latest figures from Public Health England, following a daily rise of 2,129.

Shoplifting suspect shouted 'I have corona' before spitting at police in South Yorkshire

There have been 578 deaths across the country, after another 113 were announced yesterday.

Birmingham has the most confirmed cases, with 290, followed by Hampshire (267) and the London boroughs of Southwark (253) and Lambeth (248).

These are the scenes in Doncaster town centre after people were told to stay home

Police officers in South Yorkshire now have powers to enforce government orders for people to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel to prevent the virus spreading.

People flouting the lockdown rules can be arrested or fined £60 for an initial offence – reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.